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Setting off on a river cruise in Bordeaux is a complete experience that is as much visual and tactile as it is historical. It is an adventure, an opportunity to explore a region of France that fuses the past with the present. It combines historical architecture with contemporary building design, fashion, modern cafés and shops while embracing the past through its neoclassical and Gothic architecture dotted throughout the city. Whether on foot, e‑bike, scooter or using the electric tram, transport options to get around town are numerous. Tram line B stops at Chartrons station, just a few feet from where Forseti, Viking's river cruise ship, is docked on the Garonne river. 'Ma femme et moi' (my wife and I) travelled to France from New Zealand, arriving in Bordeaux a couple of days before we were due to board our ship for the Chateaux, Rivers and Wine tour. I found a café that made a decent flat white to go with fresh canelés de Bordeaux and croissants, which set us up nicely to stop by monuments and churches. The city's architecture is glorious, with hundreds of years of history still accessible and tactile. HISTORY COMES ALIVE Bordeaux's old town is a showcase of stately mansions, beautifully restored homes and elegant squares. At its centre stands the neoclassical Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, a source of local pride. Equally remarkable is the Cathedral of St. Andrew, a French national monument where, in 1137, the 13‑year‑old Eleanor of Aquitaine married the future King Louis VII. The vibe onboard the ship was a mix of excitement and anticipation. I enjoyed getting outside on the upper deck taking in the vista of the river and city. Onboard dining is at shared tables of four or more, so meeting people and making friends happens quickly. For breakfast we enjoyed sitting outside or in the atrium. The main bar area offered a range of classic cocktails, beer and spirits as well as some bespoke Viking options on particular evenings, mostly a play on the classics with something swapped out or added for style. I recall a glowing purple martini one evening. "We enjoyed brie pané, then coq au vin, finishing with tarte aux noix du périgord." The house wines are locally produced wines and work well with the food. I opted for the beverage package which gave me a wider selection of wines. Overall the range of wines reflected some of what France is well known for including chablis and both Left and Right‑Bank red blends. The house champagne is Jacquart and was a familiar apéritif at our table before lunch and dinner. The dinner menu is presented as two options, the first featuring classic dishes from the town we were visiting, so something different each day. One evening we enjoyed the Brie Pané, then Coq Au Vin, finishing with Tarte Aux Noix Du Périgord. On another evening, the Chicken Cassoulet then Tomato Crusted Halibut finishing with the Clafoutis Aux Cerises. The other option is the regular dinner menu that never changes including classic fare from endive and pear salad to braised lamb shoulder roast to apple crumble with vanilla ice‑cream. There is also a chef's special on most nights. RELIGION, ROYALTY & REDS Shore excursions are a key part of this itinerary, with a mix of optional extra or included choices. This is your chance to visit wine châteaux and taste wine; it is also an opportunity to learn about the historical landscape of Bordeaux, plus important history that ushered in change Contact your local Viking travel advisor, call us on 138 747 (AU), 0800 447 913 (NZ) or visit viking.com | 45